Subject

Adoption -- Juvenile fiction Books

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Eleanor H. (Eleanor Hodgman) Porter

Just David

"Just David" by Eleanor H. Porter is a children's novel published in 1916. When young David's reclusive father dies, the violin-playing boy must adapt to village life with adoptive parents, unable to even recall his own last name. Raised in mountain isolation, David knows nothing of sin or sorrow. Through his innocent nature and extraordinary musical gift, he begins to transform the hearts of those around him, healing broken relationships and restoring harmony to the community—while mysteries about his true identity slowly surface.

Albert Bigelow Paine

"Peanut": The Story of a Boy

"Peanut": The Story of a Boy by Albert Bigelow Paine is a novel written in the early 20th century. The book tells the poignant tale of a young boy named Peanut, or Philip Nutt, who comes to terms with loss and longing, as he navigates life following the death of his guardian, Blazer Sam, an outlaw of some renown. The story explores themes of innocence, memory, and the deep connections formed in the wilderness. The narrative unfolds in a remote mountainous setting, where Peanut lives a simple life with the "Rose of Texas," who had been Sam's companion. Peanut's world is disrupted when he meets Miss Cynthia Schofield, a teacher who aims to provide him with a formal education far removed from his wild upbringing. As he transitions to city life, Peanut struggles with homesickness and the stark differences between his two worlds. Despite being distanced from his beloved hills and bears, Peanut's journey ultimately leads him back home, where he is reunited with the Rose and, symbolically, with the memories of Sam. Through this heartfelt story, Paine captures the essence of childhood and the quest for belonging.

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